Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008

Punters gather in front of the Main Stage at the Bramham Park site in Leeds. Friday night will see Metallica, Tenacious D and Feeder perform.

Pic: Danny North

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Mindless Self Indulgence opened the Main Stage in controversial fashion at the Leeds site on Friday. Frontman Jimmy Urine insulted Oasis, Blur and Coldplay during the New York band's set.

Pic: Danny North

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New York fourpiece Mindless Self Indulgence performing at the Bramham Park site in Leeds. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to the Reading And Leeds Festivals index now.

Pic: Danny North

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Eureka Machines opening the Radio 1 Introducing Stage at Leeds on Friday morning. Other bands to perform on the stage over the weekend include Dinosaur Pile Up, Fox Cubs and That Fucking Tank.

Pic: Danny North

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Local boys Eureka Machines performing at the Bramham Site in Leeds. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Danny North

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The crowds gather at Bramham Park in Leeds in anticipation of the opening day. Friday will see Metallica headline the Main Stage while The Cribs will close the NME/Radio 1 Stage.

Pic: Danny North

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A fan attempts a Slipknot style mask in homage to Iowa's shock rockers at Bramham Park in Leeds. The band have pulled out of this weekend's Reading And Leeds Festivals after drummer Joey Jordison broke his ankle.

Pic: Danny North

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Fans throwing their best rockstar poses in anticipation of the opening day of the Bramham Park site in Leeds. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to the Reading And Leeds Festivals index now.

Pic: Danny North

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Crowds soaking up the atmosphere at the Bramham Park site of the Reading and Leeds Festival. The weekend will see headline performances from Metallica, Rage Against The Machine and The Kilers.

Pic: Danny North

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A punter shows off his tan in front of the NME signing tent at the Reading site. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands
nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds
Festivals review.

Pic: James Quinton

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Punters fill the streets of Reading outside the festival site on Friday morning. CSS, The Cribs and Metallica are all headlining on the opening night. All 80,000 tickets have been sold for the Reading leg.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Dizzee Rascal backstage at the Reading site. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to the Reading And Leeds Festivals index on NME.COM.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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The Reading crowd go wild as Anti-Flag kick off proceedings on the Main Stage. NME.COM will be bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

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Anti-Flag open the Main Stage at the Reading leg of the weekend's festival. Midway through the US band's performance, eight female backing singers â

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US band Anti-Flag open the Reading leg of the Reading and Leeds Festival. The bash, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year, will feature headlining performances from The Killers, Rage Against The Machine and Metallica, with Vampire Weekend, MGMT, The Cribs and Glasvegas also on the bill.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Future of The Left open the NME/Radio 1 Stage at Reading on Friday morning. Babyshambles will headline the stage after sets from the likes of The Wombats, Vampire Weekend, MGMT and Pete And The Pirates.

Pic: James Quinton

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Punters enjoy the sun on Friday morning at the Reading site. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: James Quinton

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The NME signing tent proves popular once more this year. MGMT, The Wombats and Dizzee Rascal were all signing posters, cards and various body parts of fans in Reading on Friday.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Fans queue to enter the Reading site on Friday morning. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to the Reading And Leeds Festivals index now.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Fans getting into the spirit of things at the Reading site. Rage Against The Machine are set to headline the first day of the Reading Festival tonight (August 22) with a set on the Main Stage after Queens Of The Stone Age and The Fratellis.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Dizzee Rascal onstage at Reading on Friday afternoon. The star's set drew large cheers when, near the end of the show, an on-camera female fan lifted her shirt to flash the masses, while Dizzee responded by shedding his own shirt immediately afterwards.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Fans crowdsurf during Dizzee Rascal's Friday afternoon set at Reading. The loudest cheers were reserved for 'Fix Up Look Sharp', 'I Luv U' and 'Sirens'.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Dizzee Rascal goes topless after a female fan had lifted her shirt during the star's set on Friday at Reading. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals now.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Reading's Main Stage crowd bow to Dizzee Rascal on Friday afternoon. He ended the set with recent number one single 'Dance Wiv Me', which saw Chrome provide additional vocals.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Pulled Apart By Horses perform on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading on Friday afternoon. Plus make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate
Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Leeds band Pulled Apart By Horses rocking out at the Bramham Park site on Friday afternoon. Other bands to perform on the BBC Introducing Stage include Dinosaur Pile Up, Fangs and The Last People On Earth.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Yeasayer performing on the NME/Radio 1 Stage in Leeds on Friday. The stage is set to be headlined by The Cribs who will play after The Last Shadow Puppets.

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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Knob-twiddling antics during Yeasayer's set in Leeds on Friday. They were followed on the NME/Radio 1 Stage by Adam Green, Lightspeed Champion and Hadouken.

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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Florence and The Machine perform to a packed out Festvial Republic stage in Reading on Friday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals now.

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The Metros performing on the NME/Radio 1 Stage in Leeds on Friday morning. The London band opened the stage which will be headlined by The Cribs, Babyshambles and The Manic Street Preachers over the weekend.

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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Brief showers on Friday afternoon can't dampen the spirit of punters at Bramham Park in Leeds. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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Dizzee Rascal backstage at the NME Signing Tent at Reading Festival 2008. The East London rapper invited the crowd to "Dance Wiv Me" when he took to the main stage at 2.35pm. Pic: Jacob Perlmutter.

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A triumphant Leeds punter defeats the mud monster early on Friday afternoon. The first night at Bramham Park will see Metallica headline after Tenacious D's set on the Main Stage.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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A punter gets dirty very early in the day at the Bramham Park site, Leeds. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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The sun finally shines on the Leeds site, much to the shock of a female fan. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Blood Red Shoes relax in their tour bus at Reading with a video camera, lamp, playing cards, crisps and delightful yellow ashtray. As you do. Pic: Jacob Perlmutter.

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Does It Offend You, Yeah? discover the sweets box backstage at the NME Signing Tent at Reading. Were you there? See every single photo at NME.COM/Festivals/SigningTent next week. Pic: Jacob Perlmutter.

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It's all too much for one festival-goer at Reading Festival. And it's only 7pm. The shame. Pic: Jacob Perlmutter.

Hadouken fans show their appreciation as the band stormed the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Friday in Leeds. The five-piece, who were formed locally, covered 'Breathe' by The Prodigy and also got the crowd to chant "Yorkshire, Yorkshire" at the end of their set.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Hadouken frontman James Smith onstage during his band's performance in Leeds on Friday afternoon. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Fancy dress is the order of the day as the forecast rain has stayed away from the Bramham Park site in Leeds. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

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Fans at Leeds get serious in preparation for Metallica's headline show on Friday. They will headline the Main Stage following performances from Dropkick Murphys, Avenged Sevenfold, Feeder and Jack Black's Tenacious D.

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Ed Macfarlane of Friendly Fires gets a better look at the crowd gathered to see the St. Albarns band in Reading on Friday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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Friendly Fires frontman Ed Macfarlane meets his adoring public in Reading on Friday. The band were joined onstage by two exotic dancers clad in sparkly bikinis and enormous feather capes following their last song, 'Jump In The Pool', creating a euphoric party feel.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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One of Friendly Fires goes off piste Friday's show. The band played to a packed out Festival Republic Stage in Reading before Does It Offend You, Yeah? and Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip closed the first night.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro playing the Main Stage in Reading on Friday. The band arrived on stage in sunny conditions wearing tight blue trousers but stripped to the waist, much to the delight of the large crowd that had assembled to watch them.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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A stripped-off Biffy Clyro performing on the Reading Main Stage on Friday. The Scottish band played a series of crowd favourites including 'Saturday Superhouse' and 'Living Is A Problem Because Everything Dies'.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Leeds crowds take a rest on Friday afternoon. Among the bands to have played so far are Pendulum, Alexisonfire, Holy Fuck and Crystal Castles. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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MGMT onstage at Reading. The band played to a packed out NME/Radio 1 Stage on Friday before The Wombats and Babyshambles wrapped things up.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Fans squeeze to get a glimpse of MGMT on the NME/Radio 1 Stage at Reading on Friday. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Blood Red Shoes relax in their tour bus at Reading with a video camera, lamp, playing cards, crisps and delightful yellow ashtray. As you do. Pic: Jacob Perlmutter.

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Friendly Fires are joined onstage for their Friday afternoon set at Reading. Representatives for the band had handed out confetti tubes before the show to crowd members. Fans released the confetti throughout the show, adding to the high-octane atmosphere.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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It's all too much for one festival-goer at Reading Festival. And it's only 7pm. The shame.

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Fans at Leeds take a breather in preparation for headliners Metallica and The Cribs on Friday night.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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A bumper crowd gather to watch Metallica headline the Main Stage at Leeds Festival. The biggest cheers were reserved for mega hits 'Nothing Else Matters' and 'Enter Sandman'.
Pic: Danny North

Pic: Danny North

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Tenacious D's Jack Black onstage at Leeds on Friday night. The biggest cheer of the band's set, which included an appearance by a cyborg, was reserved for 2001 smash hit 'Tribute'.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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James Hetfield of Metallica performing at Leeds on Friday. The US rockers drew the biggest crowd of the day as they played a mammoth set to close the first day. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Danny North

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Rage Against The Machine appeared onstage at 10pm at Reading Festival 2008, clad in orange boiler suits and black hoods, in reference to the prisoners being held by the U.S in Guantanamo Bay. Pic: Andy Willsher

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Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine plays Reading 2008. The legendary guitarist impressed the huge crowd with a series of stunning tricks, including using the plug of his power lead as a plectrum.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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James Hetfield of Metallica go head to head with bassist Robert Trujillo on the Leeds Main Stage on Friday night. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Danny North

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Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty onstage at Reading on Friday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: James Quinton

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Pete Doherty leads Babyshambles through their headline slot at Reading on Friday night. Dressed in a sharp suit, Doherty played in front of a bumper crowd at the NME/Radio 1 Stage following performances from The Wombats, Vampire Weekend and MGMT.

Pic: James Quinton

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Babyshambles headlining the NME/Radio 1 Stage at Reading on Friday night. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: James Quinton

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The Wombats frontman Matthew Murphy onstage at Reading on Friday night. The band played the NME/Radio 1 Stage before a headline slot from Babyshambles.

Pic: James Quinton

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The Wombats onstage in Reading on Friday night. The Liverpool trio stormed through their set in front of a packed out NME/Radio 1 Stage. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: James Quinton

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Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha onstage at Reading on Friday. The band used their headline slot to make a speech slamming George Bush and Tony Blair â

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Rage Against The Machine headlining the Reading Main Stage on Friday night. The huge audience was treated to the likes of 'Testify', 'Bullet In Your Head' and 'Wake Up'.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Digitalism performing on the Lock Up Stage in Leeds on Friday. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Andrew Whitton

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Fans go for a spin on the Twister at Leeds. The Reading and Leeds Festvial will see headline performances from Metallica, Rage Against The Machine and The Killers. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

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A female fan gets a better view of Babyshambles' headline slot in Reading on Friday night. Other artists to appear on the NME/Radio 1 Stage over the weekend include The Cribs, Last Shadow Puppets and Foals.

Pic: James Quinton

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CSS frontwoman Lovefoxx onstage at Leeds on Friday night. The band headlined the Dance Arena after sets from the likes Simian Mobile Disco, Crystal Castles and Holy Fuck.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Lovefoxx of CSS in Leeds on Friday night. The band filled the Dance Arena stage with balloons for their headline set, while the Brazilian born frontwoman decorated herself with clown facepaint.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Alison Mosshart of The Kills onstage at Leeds on Friday night. Mosshart and bandmate Jamie Hince headlined the Festival Republic Stage after performances from Glasvegas and Wiley. Other acts to play the stage across the weekend include Black Kids, Emmy The Great and Cage The Elephant.

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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The Last Shadow Puppets playing the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Friday in Leeds. Backed by a full orchestra. A sublime version of 'The Meeting Place' showcased the orchestra's full range while the band concluded the set with 'Standing Next To Me' and 'In My Room'.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Paul Donoghue of Glasvegas reveals his Lightspeed Champion teeshirt to Dev Hynes backstage at Leeds. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Pete Doherty doffs his cap to NME after his impressive set at Reading on Friday evening. The singer ran out into the crowd at one point, before clambering over a video cameraman to get back on stage. Pic: Jacob Perlmutter

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A cheeky-faced James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco and The Last Shadow Puppets enjoys a beer with bandmate and The Rascals singer Miles Kane. The pair played to a crammed NME Stage crowd on Friday night in Leeds.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Fans enjoying Lightspeed Champion's set on Friday afternoon at Leeds. "There was a rumour we would replace Slipknot," frontman Dev Hynes joked with the NME/Radio 1 Stage crowd, referring to the masked rockers' sudden withdrawal from the festival. "We couldn't take that weight on our shoulders, so here we are."

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The Cribs onstage with Johnny Marr at Leeds on Friday night. Former Smiths guitarist Marr has been playing with the band since the Shockwaves NME Awards Tour earlier this year, and was introduced to the crowd before new song 'Victims Of Mass Production'. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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A huge crowd gathered to watch The Cribs headline the NME/Radio 1 Stage in Leeds on Friday. Despite the heavyweight metal competition of Metallica on the Main Stage, the band packed out the tent, and the likes of 'Men's Needs' and 'Our Bovine Public' were given a rapturous reception.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Ryan Jarman in full flow as The Cribs headline the NME/Radio 1 Stage in Leeds on Friday night. The band closed the opening day of the Bramham Park leg following performances from The Last Shadow Puppets, Conor Oberst and Adam Green.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Metallica brought flamethrowers, explosions and fireworks to their headline set on the Main Stage at Leeds Festival on Friday night. The band played a hit-packed set, which included 'â

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Dev Hynes of Lightspeed Champion onstage in Leeds on Friday afternoon. Hynes tried his hand at being Friday night's NME/Radio 1 Stage headliners The Cribs, jamming out a section of the band's 'I'm A Realist' as the crowd sung along.

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Lightspeed Champion onstage at Leeds on Friday. Finishing up with his usual 'Star Wars' medley, frontman Dev Hynes thanked the crowd then asked: "Did anyone come here when [old band] Test Icicles played here? I think there were just 20 people in the tent!"

Pic: Tom Oxley

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An enthusiastic crowd show their appreciation for Bombay Bicycle Club on Saturday afternoon in Reading. The band opened the NME/Radio 1 Stage which will be headlined by Manic Street Preachers on Saturday and The Cribs on Sunday.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Bombay Bicycle Club onstage in Reading on Saturday. The band opened the NME/Radio 1 Stage where the biggest cheer of the set came during 'How Are You', as they were joined onstage by a headbanging panda.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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British Sea Power onstage at Reading on Saturday. The band took to the Main Stage during the afternoon flanked by numerous flags which have become a regular fixture of their live shows since the release of 'Do You Like Rock Music?'.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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British Sea Power acknowldge the Reading Main Stage crowd on Saturday afternoon. Frontman Yan and bassist Hamilton finished the band's set by performing symmetrical handstands, drawing a huge applause from the crowd. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Collapsing Cities performing at Reading's Festival Republic Stage on Saturday afternoon. Elliot Minor and The Audition will close the stage in Reading on Saturday before The Kills, Wiley and Glasvegas wrap things up on Sunday.

Pic: James Quinton

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The Automatic, with new member Paul Mullen, performing onstage at Reading on Saturday. Despite previewing their new album, the biggest singalong of the day occurred when The Automatic played 2006 hit 'Monster', which the four-piece dropped halfway through their set.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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The Leeds crowd enjoy the afternoon sun on Saturday as Taking Back Sunday play the Main Stage. Rage Against The Machine will headline Leeds on Saturday, while The Killers will headline at Reading. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festvials.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Taking Back Sunday performing on the Leeds Main Stage on Saturday. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Crowds admire the merchandise on sale at this weekend's Reading and Leeds Festivals. Acts playing across the two sites include Bloc Party, We Are Scientists and Dizzee Rascal as well as headliners Rage Against The Machine, The Killers and Metallica.

Pic: James Quinton

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The Automatic performing on the Reading Main Stage on Saturday. The band ended their set with new single 'Steve McQueen'. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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These New Puritons previewed new songs 'Orchids' and 'Firepower during their appearance on the Festival Republic stage at Leeds on Saturday. The band's set was built around tracks from the bands' debut album 'Beat Pyramid' - including 'Colours' and 'Swords Of Truth'.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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The many faces of the Reading And Leeds Festival. Punters give the thumbs up at Bramham Park in Leeds on Saturday afternoon which has so far seen sets from Metallica, Biffy Clyro and The Cribs amonst others.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Something for the kids on the Bramham Park site in Leeds. The Fratellis and Queens Of The Stone Age will play before headliners Rage Against The Machine close the Main Stage on Saturday.Pic: Andy Whitton
Pic: Andy Whitton

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A punter at Leeds with an interesting take on festival chic. Wearing an outfit of entire gaffa tape might have seemed like a good idea before the festival, but that is most certainly going to leave a mark.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Fans at Bramham Park in Leeds take advantage of the sunny weather on Saturday afternoon. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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A punter at Leeds gets over excited at the prospect of the ferris wheel. Saturday night will see Rage Against The Machine headline the Main Stage, while The Killers will headline Reading.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Crowds relax at the Leeds site on Saturday afternoon. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Fans gather to watch Serj Tankian on the Leeds Main Stage. The political rocker covered Abba's 'Money, Money, Money' as part of his set in front of a huge crowd.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Serj Tankian eyes up the Leeds crowd on Saturday afternoon. The Armenian-American singer played a set comprising mainly of tracks from 2007's 'Elect the Dead' album.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Serj Tankian bows down on the Leeds Main Stage on Saturday afternoon. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Andy Whitton

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Esser bangs the drum during his set on the Festival Republic Stage in Leeds on Saturday afternoon. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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Esser performing at the Bramham Park site in Leeds on Saturday. The Festival Republic Stage will be headlined by Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip on Saturday night night following sets from Late Of The Pier and Does It Offend You, Yeah?

Pic: Jo McCaughey

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Fans prepare for Dirty Pretty Things' show on the Reading Main Stage on Saturday. The biggest crowd response, however, was reserved for the band's 2006 debut single, 'Bang Bang You're Dead'.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Dirty Pretty Things performing on Reading's Main Stage on Saturday. Guitarist Anthony Rossomando, right, ended the band's set by diving headfirst into the crowd, much to the security's annoyance. Eventually, after making it back to the stage, he collapsed to his knees.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Cardiff band Los Campesinos! performing on Reading's Festival Republic Stage on Saturday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: James Quinton

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Carl Barat of Dirty Pretty Things onstage at Reading on Saturday. The band covered Nirvana's 'In Bloom' during their Main Stage set in homage to 1992's headliners.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Dizzee Rascal works the crowd during his Saturday afternoon set on the Leeds Main Stage. The star played a crowd friendly set which ended with recent number one 'Dance Wiv me'.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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The Reading crowd show their appreciation for The Raconteurs on Saturday evening. The US rockers will be followed by Bloc Party and headliners The Killers. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Jack White, wearing dark shades, embarks on a famous guitar solo during The Raconteurs' gig at Reading on Saturday evening. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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The aftermath of the fire at Reading Festival 2008. Festival-goers witnessed huge black plumes of smoke rising into the air. Eye-witnesses told NME that a reveller lost control of a BBQ and was arrested. Sixteen fire-fighters were unable to save ten burning cars. Pic: Jessie Fletcher.

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Foals frontman Yannis Phillipakis, far right, emerges from the crowd during the band's NME/Radio 1 Stage set in Reading on Saturday. His stagedive caused chaos as security guards struggled to ward off crowd members, with at least 50 fans breaching the barriers in the space of a few minutes.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Josh Homme rocks out during Queens Of The Stone Age's slot on the Main Stage in Leeds on Saturday. The band played an epic set of hits including 'No One Knows', 'Feel Good Hit Of The Summer' and 'Little Sister'.

Pic: Danny North

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Foals onstage at Reading's NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday night. The Oxford band ended their set with 'Electric Bloom', during which frontman Yannis Phillipakis scaled an amp stack as yet more crowd-surfers cascaded forwards as the most chaotic performance of Reading Festival 2008 ended.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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Rage Against The Machine frontman Zack de la Rocha salutes the huge Leeds crowd during the band's headline set on Saturday night. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Zack de la Rocha makes a point during Rage Against The Machine's set at the Leeds Festival on Saturday night. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Tom Oxley

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Gallows frontman Frank Carter onstage on the Lock Up Stage at the Reading Festival on Saturday. The band previewed three new songs from their forthcoming album, which Carter told the crowd would be out in February 2009.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Reading Festival 2008 – Berkshire

The Killers headlining the Reading Festival on Saturday night. The Las Vegas band wrapped up their show by inspiring a loud crowd sing-a-long with 'Mr Brightside', before returning for an encore that included 'Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine', 'This River Is Wild' and 'All These Things That I've Done'.

Pic: PA Photos

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The Killers headlining the Reading Festival Main Stage on Saturday night. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Tim Cochrane

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The Killers frontman Brandon Flowers headlining the Reading Main Stage on Saturday August 23. The band gave new song 'Spaceman' its first UK airing as well as playing hits including 'Bones', 'Smile Like You Mean It' and 'Tranquilize'. What were your summer festival highlights? Let us know at NME.COM/BLOG

Pic: PA Photos

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Dinosaur Pile Up performing on the BBC Introducing Stage at the Reading Festival. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Joe Lean backstage at the Reading Festival on Saturday afternoon. His band performed on the NME/Radio 1 Stage along with Seasick Steve, Mystery Jets and Santogold.

Pic: Jacob Perlmutter

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Bullet For My Valentine's Matt Tuck onstage at Reading on Saturday. The band played the NME/Radio 1 Stage before headliners Manic Street Preachers closed off the second day of the bash.

Pic: James Quinton

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Bullet For My Valentine's spectacular stage show during their Reading Festival set. The Welsh rockers played to a packed NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday night after sets from Justice, Foals and The Ting Tings. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: James Quinton

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A huge crowd at Reading gather to watch Bloc Party on Saturday night. The band played 'Mercury' and 'One Month Off', both of which feature on new album 'Intimacy'. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield onstage during The Manic Street Preachers' headline show at Reading. The Welsh band played the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday night and dedicated 'La Tristetta Durera (Scream To A Sigh)' to his former band-mate, guitarist Richie Edwards, who disappeared in 1995.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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The Manic Street Preachers waiting in the wings at the Reading Festival on Saturday night. The Welsh band were playing to a packed-out crowd on the second day of the festival while The Killers played on the Main Stage at the other end of the site.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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Kele Okereke of Bloc Party at Reading on Saturday. The band were playing the Main Stage just days after releasing third album 'Intimacy'. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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Bloc Party performing on Reading's Main Stage on Saturday night. Frontman Kele Okereke started the show with a short speech saying it had been a few weeks of "new members, new babies and a new record" - referring to bassist Gordon Moakes, who is on extended paternity leave and his stand-in Daniel Lindegren.

Pic: Andy Willsher

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Fucked Up fans moshing to the Canadian hardcore band's set in Leeds on Sunday. Pointing to the hardcore fans at the front and centre of the crowd, frontman Pink Eyes said: "I love all these fucking kids here, I love you guys [the rest of the crowd] too, but these guys fucking rule!" Extra security guards were drafted in to control the rowdy fans.

Pic: Danny North

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Fucked Up frontman Pink Eyes shows the Leeds crowd his 'mangina' on Sunday morning. During 'Vivian Girls', taken from the band's 2006 debut 'Hidden World', Pink Eyes took down his shorts and boxer shorts, tucked his genitals between his legs and faced the audience. The frontman performed the rest of the set in his boxer shorts.

Pic: Danny North

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Twisted Wheel performing on the Festival Republic Stage in Leeds on Sunday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festival.

Pic: Danny North

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Keith Murray of We Are Scientists during the US band's Main Stage set at the Leeds Festival on Sunday. Their set included the likes of 'Nobody Moves Nobody Gets Hurt', 'Chick Lit' and 'After Hours'.

Pic: Danny North

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We Are Scientists following their triumphant Main Stage set in Leeds on Sunday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festival.

Pic: Danny North

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A huge crowd gather to watch We Are Scientists on the final day of the Leeds Festival. Chris Cain and Keith Murray joked with the masses during their set on the Main Stage which will be headlined by The Killers tonight.

Pic: Danny North

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Seasick Steve performing on the NME/Radio 1 Stage in Leeds on Sunday. The bluesman told the crowd of his sadness over the recent death of his pooch, named Boss, before a new untitled song that he said will appear on
his new album.

Leeds Festival – 2008

Billy Lunn of The Subways onstage at the Leeds Festival on Sunday. The band performed on the Main Stage along with British Sea Power, The Automatic and We Are Scientists. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: PA Photos

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Pendulum giving it their all at the Reading Festival on Sunday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Pendulum backstage at the Reading Festival on Sunday afternoon. The Aussie drum and bass rockers played on the NME/Radio 1 Stage before a headline set from The Cribs closed the festival.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Alice Glass of Crystal Castles onstage at the Reading Festival on Sunday. The Toronto duo were playing the Dance Arena after sets from Holy Fuck, Lethal Bizzle and The Whip.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Alice Glass meets her fans during Crystal Castles' set in Reading's Dance Arena on Sunday. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Tenacious D's Kyle Gass rocks the Cretaceous look during the band's Main Stage set at the Reading Festival on Sunday. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Jack Black of Tenacious D onstage at the Reading Festival on Sunday. The US rockers played the Main Stage before headliners Metallica wrapped up this year's bash.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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Bloc Party performing on the Leeds Festival Main Stage on Sunday evening. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites
of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Danny North

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Bloc Party performing at the Leeds Festival on Sunday evening. The band played two tracks from third album 'Intimacy'; 'One Month Off' and new single 'Mercury'. US stars The Killers will headline the Main Stage to wrap up the festival.

Pic: Danny North

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Kele Okereke of Bloc Party salutes the Leeds crowd after their set on the Main Stage on Sunday. The band tore through hits including 'Banquet', 'Helicopter' and 'The Prayer'. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Danny North

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Reading Festival 2008 – Berkshire

Glasvegas frontman James Allan on the final night of the Reading Festival. The Scottish band performed tracks from their forthcoming debut album on the Festival Republic Stage on Sunday before The Kills wrapped things up with a headline set.

Pic: PA Photos

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Nicky Wire of The Manic Street Preachers leaping around during the band's healine set on the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Sunday night. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: Danny North

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Manic Street Preachers frontman James Dean Bradfield in rockstar pose during the Welsh band's headline set at the Leeds Festival on Sunday night. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Danny North

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Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield of The Manic Street Preachers on the final night of the Leeds Festival. With a backdrop of the Welsh flag, the band closed the NME/Radio 1 Stage after performances from Justice, Bullet For My Valentine and Bombay Bicycle Club.

Pic: Danny North

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Reading Festival 2008 – Berkshire

Metallica's James Hetfield points to the Reading sky during the US band's headline performance. The heavy metal outfit closed the Main Stage after final day sets from Feeder, Tenacious D and Dropkick Murphys. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: PA Photos

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Reading Festival 2008 – Berkshire

Metallica closing the Reading Festival on Sunday night. The band headlined the Main Stage with an epic career-spanning set. Make sure you get next week's issue of NME - on newsstands nationwide from Wednesday August 27 - for the ultimate Reading And Leeds Festivals review.

Pic: PA Photos

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Santogold playing the NME/Radio 1 Stage at Reading on Saturday. The singer was backed by a five-piece backing band who wore grey shirts and pink bow ties. NME.COM is bringing you live coverage straight from both sites of the Reading And Leeds Festivals 2008. For the latest news, blogs, pictures and video interviews head to NME.COM/Festivals.

Pic: Guy Eppel

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On sale now: the huge 100-page Reading and Leeds special issue of NME. Featuring reports and interviews from all of the bands that matter, plus free posters, including aerial photos. It's the definitive review of the festival!

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Vampire Weekend in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. The New Yorkers, who topped NME's list of Top 25 Cool American bands earlier this year, played the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Friday (August 22). Erza Koenig did an unintentional impression of Liam Gallagher during their set by singing with his hands behind his back. Pic: Jamie Roberts

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We Are Scientists at Reading Festival 2008. A special guest, Editors' guitarist Chris Urbanowicz, joined them on stage and Keith Murray followed suit by joining Mystery Jets when they made their live return late in the weekend. Pic: Ben Cannon

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Hadouken! signing someone's pants in the NME/Radio 1 Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. They covered The Prodigy's 'Breathe' during their NME/Radio 1 set on Friday. Vocalist James Smith told the crowd: "We're going to play a cover now, it's by the best fucking band in the world!"

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Glasvegas' James Allan and a Rage fan in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. The Scottish singer and guitarist told NME exclusively backstage that he loved The Last Shadow Puppets but was "uneducated" about headliners Metallica.

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Glasvegas outside the NME Signing Tent at Reading Festival 2008. The Scottish rockers packed out the Festival Republic tent in Leeds on Friday (August 22). Singer James Allan took to the stage in a black poncho and previewed new songs from their self-titled forthcoming album, due out September 22. He also told NME.COM that he was more nervous about his appearance on Soccer AM on Saturday morning than their set. Pic: Ben Cannon

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The Teenagers in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008 holding up a sign asking politely not to 'piss' in designated areas. The band tried to incite a stage invasion during their Leeds set in the Festival Republic tent on Saturday (August 23), but only managed to get two people onstage because of security. Pic: Jamie Roberts

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Seasick Steve in the NME Signing Tent at Reading Festival 2008 shaking hands with a slightly bewildered young punter. During his set he not only dedicated a song to his dead dog, Boss, he also got a woman up onstage to serenade after revealing: "I need a woman". Pic: Jamie Roberts

Santogold at Reading Festival 2008. The Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter closed her set with the song featured in the ShockWaves ad - 'Creator' - which saw her dancers punch-dancing manically. Pic: Ben Cannon

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The lads of MGMT in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. The New York duo packed out the NME/Radio 1 stage at Leeds on Saturday with singer Andrew VanWyngarden asking the crowd, "Leeds is cool, huh?". He's had to deny rumours he's dating Kirsten Dunst this week too, busy boy. Pic: Jamie Roberts

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Carl Barat in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. The Dirty Pretty Things frontman jumped the fences to sign a punter's arms later in the day, causing a bit of a security scare. His band also later covered, or as NME blogger Dan Martin puts it, murdered a cover of Nirvana's 'In Bloom'. Pic: Jamie Roberts

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Steven Ansell and Laura-Mary Carter, AKA Blood Red Shoes, in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. NME asked the band after their session to ask them what they do at festivals when they're not working. Their top five includes getting drunk, doing karaoke, getting on a boat and swimming in the river, sabotaging stuff and celebrity spotting. So now you know!

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Bullet For My Valentine in the NME Signing Tent at Leeds Festival 2008. The heavy-metallers played the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday (August 23). Manic Street Preachers dedicated 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next' during their Leeds headline set to the rockers.

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Santi White, better known as Santogold, in the NME Signing Tent at Reading Festival 2008. The singer was backed by a five-piece backing band dressed in grey shirts and pink bow ties for her NME/Radio 1 Stage set on Saturday (August 23). She told NME.COM that the Reading crowd were more familiar with her sound than in Leeds, but that was what made it all the more challenging. Pic: Ben Cannon